Happy Friday. Republicans are usually an orderly bunch when it comes to elections. Heir apparents get the nod, as do high-profile ones and those who can raise the dough. But increasingly, the GOP is turning on their own, going at candidates who may cause trouble:

-> "National Republicans increasingly feel the need to adopt a get-tough approach. Nearly six years removed from the presidency and often under assault from outside-the-Beltway conservatives, establishment GOP figures are searching out new ways to exert influence over unruly candidates. Cross them, and there's a good chance the candidate won't like what results." [

-> Some of the hottest issues of the year didn't make it through the Legislature. [

Trib

] [

Herald

] (See below for a full wrap-up)

-> Gov. Gary Herbert came out on top this session. [

Trib

] [

DNews

] [

ABC4

]

Tweet of the day:

From

@billyhesterman

: "And the House Dems have gotten Lockhart an action figure. It is a Wonder Woman doll with Lockhart's face on it."

From

@TwitJas

: "2 days-3 hours-19 min & 42 seconds: Time spent saying 'I move that under suspension of the rules' during the 2014 session."

Happy Birthday:

To Julie Chaffetz, wife of Rep. Jason Chaffetz, and on Sunday to state Reps. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, and Ronda Menlove, R-Garland, former state Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, and friend of Cornflakes Charlie Luke.

On the Hill:

It's over, there is no schedule today. Take a break, read a book, go for a walk.

-> Lawmakers did not reach a deal on Medicaid expansion. [

Trib

] [

KUER

]

-> Higher education had a good year on the Hill. [

Trib

] [

DNews

] [

KUER

]

-> This session saw changes to the Utah election system. [

Trib

]

-> More than a quarter of the Democratic caucus in the Legislature has announced plans to retire. [